Gas company NAM is required to halt gas extraction in Warffum, Groningen by January 1. The State Supervision of Mines (SodM) denied NAM’s request to continue extraction under a tolerance policy.
Extraction can only proceed if the permit is definitively extended. NAM is permitted to extract gas at Warffum until the end of this year, and initially received approval for an eight-year extension request under a tolerance policy.
Although SodM deems the extraction safe, the independent regulator emphasizes the importance of considering the concerns of local officials and residents. SodM reports that stakeholders feel unheard, leading to unrest.
“Tolerating gas extraction without addressing this unrest seriously will further erode public trust in the national government,” stated the regulator. Consequently, it was decided not to tolerate gas extraction at Warffum.
Source: NOS